By MH Staff - Posted on 16th January 2014

And you thought jock itch was a bitch: each year about 11 000 men visit the hospital with a damaged package, according to research in the Journal of Urology. “Genital injuries can have reproductive, physiological and psychological consequences,” says study author Dr Benjamin Breyer. These are the top ways men imperil their privates.

Zippers have teeth that can bite your... You know what to do: tuck everything safely inside your underwear before you zip – slowly. BAT: 32% | BALLS: Less than 1%

A slip in the shower and you could fall and land crotch first. To be on the safe side, invest in a non-slip rubber mat and slip it underneath the shower mat. BAT: 7% | BALLS: 6%

Most of these mishaps involve bikes – men slam against the seat, crossbar or handlebar stem. First, check the fit of your bike. Then, just in case, pad the stem to protect your crown jewels. BAT: 20% | BALLS: 39%

Manscape with an electric shaver or trimmer, not a regular razor, to minimise your risk of cuts. And make sure your skin is clean to reduce your odds of an infection if you do nick yourself. BAT: 4% | BALLS: 5%